How to Configure Photo and Video Saving to a Memory Card in Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi smartphones allow you to expand memory using microSD cards, but by default, media files are stored in internal memory. This quickly fills it up, especially if you are actively shooting 4K video or taking selfies. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to transfer photos and videos to an external card, from camera settings to manually moving files through the file manager.

The problem is that MIUI doesn't always offer to save files to SD automatically. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.) and the firmware version, the path to settings may differ. We'll look at the universal methods that work on most devices, as well as the nuances for specific lines. If your smartphone doesn't see the memory card, there's a section at the end of this article that addresses this problem.

Why photos and videos are stored in internal memory, not in the memory SD-map?

By default, Xiaomi uses an internal drive for media files for three reasons:

• 🔹 Write speed: internal memory (UFS 2.2/3.1) It is faster than most microSDs (even the class). A2 or UHS-I). It's critical for video in 4K@60fps or series.
• 🔹 Security: Files on SD-It is easier to lose the card when the carrier is removed or damaged. MIUI prioritize reliability.
• 🔹 Android restrictions: Starting with Android 7.0, Google has banned apps from writing data to external media without the explicit permission of the user.

However, if you use a high-end memory card (such as SanDisk Extreme Pro or Samsung) EVO Plus, the speed difference will be minimal. JPEG or video 1080p budgetary SD-map fits.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 10 or Xiaomi) POCO M4 Pro does not support video recording on SD-This is a hardware-related map, and in this case, you can only transfer files manually after you've taken the shot.

Method 1: Setup the camera to save on SD-map

The easiest method is to change the save location right in the Camera app, which works on most devices with MIUI 12-14:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Touch the gear badge (⚙️) or swipe up/down (depending on the model) to open the settings.
3. Find the Preservation Place (or Memory, Warehouse) section.
4. Select a Memory Card (SD).
5. Confirm the choice – now all new photos and videos will be saved to external media.

If the Memory Card option is inactive (grey), check:

• 📌 Whether inserted SD-card to slot (on some models, for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro, hybrid slot requires a choice between the second one). SIM microSD).
• 📌 Is the card formatted as an internal memory (in this case, it cannot be used as a removable medium).
• 📌 Is there enough space on the map (minimum free volume – 100-200 MB).

Buy a UHS-I (U3) or higher card | Format in FAT32/exFAT via phone | Check the free space (minimum 1 GB) |Reboot the smartphone after inserting the card-->

On some devices (e.g. POCO F4), the SD save option only appears after you first connect the card, and if you insert it after you start using the phone, restart the device.

Method 2: Transfer existing photos and videos through the Gallery

If you already have files in your internal memory, you can move them to the storage. SD-A card without a computer:

1. Open the Gallery app (or Google Photos if you use it).
2. Select the album All photos or videos.
3. Press and hold your finger on any file, then mark the rest (or tap Select All).
4. Touch the "More" badge»** (⋮) → Move it.

Please note:

• 🔄 Moving a large number of files (500)+) It can take a few minutes. Don't interrupt!
• 📁 If the folder DCIM on SD-map is missing, create it manually through Files (application from Xiaomi).
• 🔒 Files, protected DRM (For example, screenshots from some banking applications, you will not be able to transfer.

💡

Before a mass perenosom, copy files to your computer or to the cloud (like Google Drive) – this is insurance in case of a crash.

If the option to move is not available, try:

1. Open Files → Images or Videos.
2. Allocate files → Cut out.
3. Go to the SD-map and insert (insert here).

Method 3: Using a file manager for manual transfer

The Files by Xiaomi integrated file manager allows you to manage files flexibly, including moving between internal and external memory.

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Images or Videos (or Categories → Media)
3. Select the desired files with a long tap.
4. Press More (⋮) → Cut (scissors).
5. Go back to the root directory, select the Memory Card.
6. Create a folder (like Camera) or select an existing one, then click Insert.

Advantages of this method:

• 🎯 You can transfer files selectively (for example, only videos from the last month).
• 🔄 Packet operations (copying/moving hundreds of files at a time) are supported).
• 📂 You can create your own folders on SD-sorter-card.

If you have a “Not enough space” error when inserting files, check:

• 📊 Map format: FAT32 Does not support file size > 4GB. For video in 4K better use exFAT.
• 🛠️ Media damage: try formatting the map (data will be deleted!).

Method 4: Automatic save via MIUI settings

In some versions MIUI (for example, MIUI 13/14 Xiaomi 12/13 series) has hidden settings that allow prioritizing SD-A map for all media files:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Put it on the Memory Map.
3. Activate the option to use as primary storage (if available).
4. In the Default Warehouse section, select SD-map.

If you don’t have these options, try an alternative route:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the camera. → Permits.
3. Make sure that the Warehouse permissions and Memory Card are enabled.

Nana POCO-devices (e.g., devices, POCO X3 Pro may require an additional step:

Settings → Additional → Storage → Default save location → Memory card

⚠️ Note: Some of the scoring after the selection SD-As the main storage, applications can run slower, due to the limited read/write speed of microSD compared to internal memory.

Table: Compatibility of Xiaomi models with saving on SD-map

If your model is not in the table, check compatibility experimentally or refer to the official Xiaomi knowledge base.

SanDisk (Ultra/Extreme)|Samsung EVO|Kingston Canvas|Another (write in the comments)|Not using-->

What to do if your phone can’t see SD-map?

If Xiaomi does not recognize the memory card, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔌 Bad contact: Remove the card and paste it back (the phone must be turned off!).
• 🛠️ File system damage: connect the card to your PC and check for errors (via chkdsk in Windows).
• 📱 Incompatible format: Xiaomi supports FAT32, exFAT and NTFS (But the latter may not work on older models).
• 🔋 Insufficient power: if the card consumes a lot of energy (e.g., power, UHS-II), Try to turn off others. USB-device.

Step-by-step diagnostics:

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Check the card on another device (phone, computer, camera).
3. Format the card in exFAT via your phone (Settings → Memory → Memory Map → Format).
4. Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI (sometimes SD bugs are patched).
5. Reset your phone settings to factory (pre-backup!).

If the card is still undetected, it may be physically damaged.

• 🔍 Check the card contacts for scratches or oxidation (wipe with alcohol).
• 🔄 Try another card – if it doesn’t work, the problem is with the phone slot.

💡

If the phone can't see SD-map MIUI, Reset the settings of the Camera and Gallery app to Settings → Annexes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about saving files on SD-map